Welding Tips and Tricks

Hoping to pick up my 2nd paying gig in the metal fab world. I'm bidding on six sets of ADA handrails for the staircases on some apartment buildings. Wondering how heavy a gauge metal I need to use. There is nothing on the plans calling this out. Can I use .120 wall tube, or maybe pipe? Any suggestions on what works well and is cost effective.

Thanks.

monte_santa_cruz wrote:Hoping to pick up my 2nd paying gig in the metal fab world. I'm bidding on six sets of ADA handrails for the staircases on some apartment buildings. Wondering how heavy a gauge metal I need to use. There is nothing on the plans calling this out. Can I use .120 wall tube, or maybe pipe? Any suggestions on what works well and is cost effective.

Thanks.

Hey
It is hard to imagine that an ADA handrail is not spec out, I would research this further, how can you provide a competitive bid without this information?

Does it call out the material and diameter of the handrail?

Spec is 1 1/2 Dia round profile. Just nothing calling out specific material.
Pipe is likely the cheapest but thought some of you all have probably built a railing or two and might have some suggestions.

Monte welcome to the forum.

I think ADA is the spec,look up their requirements.

Does local building code have a requirement for pipe thickness? Some of the references to codes I've read require the ability to withstand a 200 or 250 pound force out or down from a particular point in the span, for instance.

A lot of specs need to be followed....Know what is required before bidding to keep your self out of trouble, could be a very expensive mistake.

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines ... g-elements

Thanks for the link.